The power of narrative ~ Cultivate the love of story!
I want to instill in our children the love of story. It is one of my main homeschooling goals. It is probably one of the main reasons I love the Ambleside Online website so much and the homeschooling curriculum found there. It is packed full of wonderful literature and a well thought out and laid out plan for introducing our children to the love of not only learning but of really good stories. I think that skill is pivotal in their holistic formation as disciples of Jesus too. His story is so powerful and we are part of it living it out in this world. If we can immerse them into His powerful narrative, not just facts, and memorized verses, but the whole redemptive plan laid out by God, they will be guided well through this life. Their faith wont be something that their parents adhere to, but they will be captured by it and hold it as their own.
I have just read Charlotte’s Web out loud to the children. As an adult I find it a profound narrative that blesses me deeply as I read it out loud to our children. As I think about this book and others that we will read with our children, I am inspired by the power of good story telling. It is something I aspire to improve at.
Imagine, an ugly runt that wallows in manure all day, destined to death, is saved by the smallest most insignificant creature who writes amazing messages that inspire the masses. These messages are actually counter cultural to all that people thought a pig could be. This small creature shames the wisest in the barnyard and preaches messages of hope that actually teach Wilbur his worth. In her death, Wilbur’s life is saved and he is able to continue to spread the original message of hope. Sounds like a radical concept that might just change the world.
It makes me start to dream. Dream of how I will be able to relate things of the kingdom of God to our children, using this beautiful story as a reference point for them. In this story, hidden meaning of the kingdom of God is revealed and that is the power of good narrative! Thanks E.B. White. You told a darn good story!
I never thought of Charlottes Web that way. I need posts like this to make me dig deeper into what books can/could mean.
Elisabeth
Comment by timbuck2mom — October 30, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
Elisabeth~ I am so glad you found it helpful. Enjoy digging into your literature. It has loads of significance.
Peace to you!
Comment by admin — October 30, 2007 @ 7:35 pm
I just finished reading that with my 6 year old dd. What a fun book!
Comment by Betsy — October 31, 2007 @ 11:21 am
My daughter just read this on her own this fall. I wasn’t using it for lessons, so no narrations. BUT, I really wanted her to go slowly through it and not just race cover to cover in two days. I had her read it one chapter a day, several times a week. I appreciated your thoughts on the deeper meaning behind Charlotte’s sacrifice. I like to “pace” her when she reads the best books
Comment by JacciM — November 8, 2007 @ 12:02 am